Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great Place and Great Location

Guest: Mitchell K.
Date of Stay: 03/09/12 Review Submitted: 03/18/12

My family stayed here for our Taos Ski vacation and had a great time. The retreat is not very far from town and is very comfortable. We can't wait to come back in the Summer for a fun, relaxing visit. Thanks!

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Simply Great!

Guest: Susan (Dallas)
Date of Stay: 01/25/12 Review Submitted: 03/16/12

I stayed in David and Meredith's beautiful retreat for one week near the end of January. The entire experience was delightful. The booking process, directions to the property, detailed instructions for use, and the clean, immaculate house were a joy. Taos is a very special place and this is a very special, peaceful home. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone and I will plan to return soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

New Years in Taos

Guest: Tyler (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 12/27/11 Review Submitted: 01/09/12

Nice home. Clean with well stocked kitchen. Owner was very helpful. 10 minutes to town and 40 minutes to skiing. Comfortable and nicely decorated. Just a bit too close to the major road, so you do hear some traffic, but the back of the house is very private - forest.

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Wonderful place...close to everything...

Guest: CDK (Tampa)
Date of Stay: 11/16/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

Rancho Canyon Retreat provided everything we needed for our short stay in Taos. Sadly, we were not able to avail ourselves to everything this awesome house had to offer. It is close enough (yet far enough) to Taos so that we were able to sight see but spend quiet evenings relaxing in the hot tub (which was delightful!) We will definitely consider this property for future stays in Taos with family as it is large enough to accommodate a large group. A wonderful, wonderful fully-appointed property!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Serene Retreat

Guest: Vance B.
Date of Stay: 10/04/11 Review Submitted: 10/09/11

Meredith and David’s beautiful mountain getaway is exceptionally well appointed, equipped and maintained. The location and how it is situated on the lot gives a sense of seclusion but it is close enough to Taos to be convenient. The great kitchen is so well equipped that we bought groceries and didn’t eat a single meal in town. Two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs and one of each downstairs offer plenty of privacy for 6 people. The upstairs bedrooms’ balconies and downstairs covered patio let you commune with nature without leaving the comfort of the house. A trail right outside the door lets you get right in nature without going far. We can’t think of any shortcomings and are already planning our next visit.

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Gregg Pierson Holland Michigan

Guest: GREGG P.
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/28/11

The Retreat at Rancho Canyon is the perfect way to have the feel of a authentic southwest lifestyle. Located in the beautiful Taos Canyon a short 5 mi. from town the setting is serene, quiet and very peaceful. The home has everything you could possible want from the gourmet kitchen, the wonderful hot tub under the starry sky and a great outdoor deck with a huge grill and firepit. We have been coming to Northern N.M. for several yrs. and can say that the Retreat at Rancho Canyon has made our time here the best ever! Thank you David & Meredith- we Will be back again! Namaste!

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Warm & Toasty!

Guest: Ruben, Esther, Rodrigo & Elisa (Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 01/02/11 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

Driving into Taos the night of January 2, 2011 we braved -2 degrees. We were a bit nervous and wondered if our lodging would provide the warmth we were hoping for. Once we walked into the gorgeous living room, all our anxiety was put to rest. The Vaughn’s home was warm and toasty, and such a wonderful feeling of comfort filled us. The home is exactly what we expected and so much more. The bedrooms and living areas are very spacious and relaxing. We enjoyed the gourmet kitchen and loved cooking several breakfasts and dinners! Loads of utensils are at the ready. The “Retreat” is exactly that. Far enough away from Taos to enjoy the serenity of the Carson National Forest, but close enough to restaurants and shopping. A must for your next trip to Taos!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heaven in the Canyon

Guest: Taos lovers (Iowa)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

We are frequent Taos visitors and this was our first time staying at this house in the canyon and it was truly love at first site! The listing was very accurate, the location was stunning, in the middle of forrest, very relaxing. The house is a work of art, very clean and shows pride of ownership. David and Meredith had a welcome basket for us on arrival and instructions for the house which made us feel right at home . We loved being close to town, but in the middle of the woods and very close to Taosenos favorite hiking trail! We were close to Angel Fire and skiing and snowshoeing. Our favorite restaurant remains the Ol Blinking Light with great bands and local fare. Taos remains our favorite destination, it has everything and so does this property. Highly recommended!!!

Owner response:Rhonda; Thanks for your extremely positive review of your stay at our "Retreat at Rancho Canyon" house. I know that you are sincere when you say that you have fallen in love with the location since you have just booked again for 2011 for two additional one week stays! We hope to meet you and your husband in person on your future visits.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Home

Guest: Traveling Mom (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 12/11/10 Review Submitted: 12/30/10

Our young daughters loved the table for drawing and eating. They also enjoyed playing with their toys in the family room. This house is a wonderful, quiet space to unwind after a busy day in the snow. The views are beautiful and the layout is great for a family with young kids where they can fall asleep upstairs while the parents are downstairs. Plus, the kids can enjoy s'mores at the fire pit outside. Even though this is our first vacation rental, my husband and I have traveled extensively. We would highly recommend this home to anyone going to Taos. Thank you David and Meredith for sharing your home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

"First-Timers" Spoiled Forever

Guest: Donna and Ron (Sarasota FL)
Date of Stay: 10/03/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

Our stay at David and Meredith's Retreat at Rancho Canyon was our first stay ever in an individually offered rental. While I was pretty confident I'd done my homework well, there were still some nagging doubts in my mind as we drove towards Taos, and a home that looked so great on the website. When we saw the house at the top of the driveway, my concerns melted away. And when we opened the front door, I knew it was going to be even better than advertised. We had a delightful stay, and learned that staying in residential properties, as opposed to hotels, works really well for us. You've set a very high bar for other rental properties!

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Gem in Taos Canyon

Guest: Tracy (Texas Hillcountry )
Date of Stay: 09/15/10 Review Submitted: 10/14/10

Stayed in this beautiful home for 2 1/2 weeks and it was perfect! The owners provided great info regarding Taos and a wonderful welcome! The leaves were changing and the views outstanding. Every convenience provided from welcome basket, wonderful "reads," comfortable/inviting furnishings, great outdoor living, and a kitchen worthy of the cooks in our group! Plus, great location! We look forward to returning!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best of everything

Guest: May (Tomball, Texas usa)
Date of Stay: 09/10/10 Review Submitted: 09/20/10

Great views,commodations,best location for day trips in any direction including southern colorado. Quiet, plenty of room.Big kitchen, counter space and sitting. 2 miles from town, plenty of things to do. lots of restaurants, shops. grocery. our hosts had a bottle of wine,chips and chocolate awaiting our arrival. they have alot of tourist information, maps, and things to see in and around Taos.Have library of books on the area and culture. This is truly the best. Patios that will make your heart melt. Cozy. Very,Very, clean and maintained. I intend on going back next year on my way to arizona.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Place of Beauty and Spirit

Guest: Jeff and Laura (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 06/18/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

Our stay at The Retreat at Rancho Canyon was one of the most peaceful and relaxing experiences ever. The location is perfect, so close to Taos yet it has that "getaway" feel. The surroundings are just beautiful. David was exceptionally responsive to any inquiries we had and truly made us feel like guests in his and Meredith's home. The house was very clean and the amenities, especially the very well-stocked kitchen, were perfect. We cooked in (or out on the grill) every evening! We will be back to enjoy the beauty and spirit of this special place.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

High End Comfort

Guest: Eva and Andrew (Strafford, Vermont)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 05/18/10

My Vermont family spent a week in April 2010 at this spectacular house. This is not your typical rental property. It has high end furnishings throughout and is extremely comfortable. My teenage daughters each had their own room. The king size bed with a memory foam mattress, sound system, and fireplace was delightfully romantic. The soaking tub and steam shower were heavenly. The kitchen is well equipped with extras like coffee grinders and spices. We appreciated the emphasis on composting, recycling and conserving water. The location was close to great hiking trails in Taos, just two miles down the road. The mountains surrounding Taos are breathtakingly beautiful. Our favorite day trip was to Bandelier National Monument where we climbed ladders to cliff dwellings and finished the day soaking in the Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. El Gamal middle eastern restaurant, Pieces consignment store, Rio Grande Gorge bridge, and the Pueblo were all great Taos finds. We felt quite pampered staying here. We highly recommend this house.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guest: JP Addison (Katy, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/23/10 Review Submitted: 03/23/10

My wife and 3 kids spent a Spring Break at the Retreat at Rancho Canyon with the intention of going skiing. From the very beginning, David was very helpful in assisting us prepare our trip by providing valuable information about the location and activities in the area. Upon arrival, we didn't even have to enter the house to know that everything was going to be immaculate, comfortable and fairy-tale like. The large windows in every room accentuate the beautiful setting and surroundings. It was a challenge to get our kids to come back indoors with so many trails just outside the back door. Inside, the house is well appointed, comfortable, clean and well equipped, especially the kitchen that included the simplest utensils to the fanciest spices. So many amenities, and everything is in perfect working order, small signs posted in different locations with instructions on how to use and (and conserve). I truly felt at ease as in my own home. First time we go on vacation where we just want to stay in and enjoy the house, views and surroundings. It was a true privilege to spend our vacation at the Retreat.

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Guest: Josie Baudoin (New Orleans, LA)
Date of Stay: 12/02/09 Review Submitted: 12/02/09

We had a wonderful time, it was perhaps the best rental we have experienced. After three days of driving from New Orleans, what a welcomed site. A beautiful home with amazing views from every window. We celebrated Thanksgiving with family that also drove down from Denver, and cooked an entire Thanksgiving meal in the best kitchen you could want for such a special dinner. We hope to return and will certainly never forget our stay. Josie

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Guest: Suzanne Smart (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Date of Stay: 11/16/09 Review Submitted: 11/16/09

We treated our grown children to a week in Taos for a Christmas present. The Retreat at Rancho Canyon was a perfect setting.The location was both secluded yet close to town and hiking trails. We loved the outdoor firepit.We enjoyed s'mores! The kitchen was well equipped and when we couldn't eat anymore green chilis, we cooked dinner together. All the house views are wonderful. We will definitely rent again. The Smart/ Schoells

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Better than the Pictures!

Guest: Steve from Houston (Houston)
Date of Stay: 07/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/09

The pictures are good but the house is even better! Our family stayed for 7 nights and we did not want to leave. This is a great home located in a beautiful setting. We hiked every day, built a fire, relaxed and read, grilled and cooked most meals at the house, shopped in Taos, drove the Enchanted Circle, took a hot air balloon ride... What a great time!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The best kept secret

Guest: Larry and Jacquie (Alabama)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/09

My husband and I just returned from four wonderful days at this beautiful home inTaos. David and Meredee made our 45th wedding anniversary a truly memorable event. From the first step into this stunning home, I knew that this would be a special four days. There was a wonderful gift basket waiting for us - from wine to toast our anniversary to candy that makes one's mouth water just remembering the taste. We enjoyed grilling and watching the overpowering beauty of the New Mexico sunsets....sitting by the pond and listening to the tinkle of the waterfall enjoying our morning coffee....the chirping birds were an added feature. We enjoyed using this beautiful home as our base and explored the northern New Mexico and southern Colorado mountains. We experienced wonderful food...must try Orlando's and El Toastoden for great mexican food...our goal was to find some wonderful places to eat and use the exercise bike at the house to work it off. This home has all the amenities one would ever dream of...plus it makes you feel like you are in your own home...which is important to us. All in all this had to be the best wedding anniversary we have ever had....thank you David and Meredee...we will return and stay longer next time. Jacquie and Larry, Alabama (HOT Alabama and not cool New Mexico)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Kevin
Date of Stay: 05/21/09 Review Submitted: 05/20/09

Incredible home David and Meredith. My family was fortunate enough to stay at the beautiful and private 'Retreat at Rancho Canyon' over Mother's Day weekend. My mother and father were visitng from the midwest and we thought we'd treat them to a get-away while they were visiting Colorado, they we're thrilled with the accomodations. The home and the property could not be better outlined in the description, great views from every room, thoughtful space planning and decorating..the list goes on. It is evident when you enter the courtyard patio that David has put his architectural background to great use in the design and layout of each aspect of the home, and he, along with his wife Meredith and son Jordan, have done an excellent job decorating, designing and building furniture to compliment the SW theme. From the outdoor pond, waterfall, and firepit to the cozy living room and wonderful sleeping quarters the attention to detail is impeccable. It seems they have thought through every piece of this dream home, even going so far as to provide recycling, composting, and water saving measures to ensure the enjoyment of resources for all those that follow in our path. I promise, you will not be dissappointed during your stay. The location of the home is also very convenient to town yet isolated enough to feel like you are in a secluded forest. Just 5 miles from Taos and all of the shops and museums it is the perfect answer to those looking for serenity, yet wanting to be close enough the experience the restaurants, museums, the pueblo, and the unique 'flavor' of the southwest. Thanks again David and Meredith for sharing your wonderful home with us, we look forward to another visit in the future.

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Kevin H.

Guest: Kevin in Colorado (Nederland, CO)
Date of Stay: 05/08/09 Review Submitted: 05/21/09

Incredible home David and Meredith. My family was fortunate enough to stay at the beautiful and private 'Retreat at Rancho Canyon' over Mother's Day weekend. My mother and father were visitng from the midwest and we thought we'd treat them to a get-away while they were visiting Colorado, they we're thrilled with the accomodations. The home and the property could not be better outlined in the description, great views from every room, thoughtful space planning and decorating..the list goes on. It is evident when you enter the courtyard patio that David has put his architectural background to great use in the design and layout of each aspect of the home, and he, along with his wife Meredith and son Jordan, have done an excellent job decorating, designing and building furniture to compliment the SW theme. From the outdoor pond, waterfall, and firepit to the cozy living room and wonderful sleeping quarters the attention to detail is impeccable. It seems they have thought through every piece of this dream home, even going so far as to provide recycling, composting, and water saving measures to ensure the enjoyment of resources for all those that follow in our path. I promise, you will not be dissappointed during your stay. The location of the home is also very convenient to town yet isolated enough to feel like you are in a secluded forest. Just 5 miles from Taos and all of the shops and museums it is the perfect answer to those looking for serenity, yet wanting to be close enough the experience the restaurants, museums, the pueblo, and the unique 'flavor' of the southwest. Thanks again David and Meredith for sharing your wonderful home with us, we look forward to another visit in the future.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful views and home

Guest: Jeff in DC (Vienna, va)
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/18/09

Stayed only 3 nights but still soaked in a very quiet and beautiful location. Home is very custom and detailed and has everything you could need. (They even had NM steak rub!) My only regret was not having more time. Great job on a dream home David and Meredee! I hope we can stay again before you move back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Excellent Retreat!

Guest: Tarynn (Denver,CO)
Date of Stay: 04/02/09 Review Submitted: 04/10/09

This is a fantastic vacation spot tucked away in the most beautiful mountains just outside of town. The home is welcoming, warm and decorated with such immpecable taste. The views from every window were gorgeous and the beds heavenly! When we did leave the home it took just minutes to arrive in town. We ate at a wondeful and reasonably priced restaurant , Antonitos! We didnt want to leave. Thank You!

Owner response:Tarynn; We're glad you enjoyed your visit. Antonitos is a great little restaurant, and there are so many places with authentic New Mexican and creative culinary delights in Taos, we hope you'll come back again to try them all!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Retreat at Rancho Canyon

Guest: Roy II (McAllen)
Date of Stay: 03/14/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/09

the views from all bedrooms and living area are spectacular. I have stayed in Taos four times including this one, and it was definitely the best views I've had. Everything was as promised, the wireless internet and free long distance calling was definetely a plus since cell phone service was not available.

Owner response:We are glad you and your family enjoyed the house and the views. We also appreciated how clean you left the house on your departure and hope you will visit again soon.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful place to stay

Guest: Groves Family (Groves, Tx)
Date of Stay: 03/08/09 Review Submitted: 03/16/09

Our family stayed 3/8/09 to 3/12/09 and we were not ready to leave. The home was wonderful and had everything you could have asked for and more, and the gift basket was a wonderful touch. We are looking forward to another visit!!!!

Owner response:We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay and look forward to having you stay at our vacation rental in Taos in the near future.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Must see!

Guest: gigilouise (California)
Date of Stay: 10/12/08 Review Submitted: 10/20/08

This enchanting, well appointed and tended home in Taos Canyon exceeded all expectations. The home backs up to the National Forest about 5 miles up canyon from Taos and provides the best of both worlds; a quiet place for resting, reading, cooking, or hiking in the forest; with the contrast found in the small town of Taos with its museums, restaurants, and shopping. I highly recommend this fabulous home as THE place to stay in the area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Rancho Canyon Retreat in Taos

Guest: Jimbobbon (Lone Tree, Colorado/Mountain West,USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/17/08

My wife and I really enjoyed our stay at the retreat in rancho canyon. The accommodations were excellent. The bed rooms were spacious and nicely decorated. The large kitchen and great room were comfortable and homey. The patios had a great forest view and the fire pit was perfect for roasting marshmallows. The exercise equipment and steam shower were awesome. There was an excellent hike into the forest up the hill from the house and other excellent hiking ten minutes from the home. Excellent Taos restaurants and other attractions were only fifteen minutes driving distance from the retreat. We would highly recommend the rancho canyon retreat as a great place to stay.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Highly recommended!

Guest: Tula (Denver)
Date of Stay: 09/12/08 Review Submitted: 10/13/08

This is one of our favorite destinations! This Taos home is absolutely beautiful, cozy, and inspiring with spectacular views in every direction. We have stayed there many times and always look forward to our return visit. The only problem is that once we get there we never want to leave...It's such a peaceful and rejuvenating place! -Ashley

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Perfect in Every Way

Guest: Viv (Colorado Springs)
Date of Stay: 07/08/08 Review Submitted: 07/24/09

The property is wonderful. I love the patio areas. So peaceful. We enjoyed the birds and the private surroundings. The house is so beautifully decorated and comfortable. We're ready to come again and stay longer. Thank you for letting us enjoy your very special home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Tranquil, tasteful delight

Guest: Bones54 (Boulder Colorado)
Date of Stay: 03/26/07 Review Submitted: 11/27/08

This was a wonderful retreat spot. Backed up against National Forest land, we had a great time hiking the area, and retiring to the peace and tranquility of this wonderful adobe abode. The outdoor fireplace brought a magic to the otherwise chilly evening, that allowed us to enjoy the enchanting sunset. Simply wonderfu.l

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.